Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 13

The Benson Collection of U.S. Coins, Part 2

Liberty Seated Half Dimes

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 362		1837 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No stars, small date. MS-64. A curious coin, the surfaces have good luster and lovely color, but we note some light hairlines from a past cleaning. Many were saved as the first of their kind, and popular for the no stars obverse type, which lasted just two partial years. Deep blue around the rims, and lighter at the centers. Sharply impressed and desirable. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. From the Benson collection and likely purchased in the mid 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $818
Lot 363		1837 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No stars, small date. PCGS graded AU-58. Dark blue-gray toning on both sides and well struck by the dies. Minor handling marks, and a few faint hairline scratches, one below IME on the reverse, and others in the fields. The first year of the new type, and always in demand for the no stars design. Still a very nice coin indeed. Estimated Value $250 - 300. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on June 7, 1944 as "uncirculated" for $2.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $391
Lot 364		1837 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No stars, large date. PCGS graded MS-63. Deep blue around the edge, and glowing gold for the balance in the color range, and full luster in the fields. Well struck and quite beautiful. Estimated Value $650 - 750. From the Benson collection and purchased April 3, 1944 from J. G. Macallister for $2.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $834
Lot 365		1838-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. No stars. PCGS graded MS-63. One of the finest known of this rare date, mintages plunged to 70,000 pieces from the New Orleans Mint for 1838, and few were saved in high grade. In fact, PCGS has only graded 2 coins this high, with a single coin graded higher (MS-64)! This one has deep blue and gold toning on both sides, and excellent surfaces for the grade. Struck from a rusted obverse die, as were most, with the digits somewhat moth eaten in appearance. As Breen notes, "grade by surfaces and reverse only". An opportunity for the advanced numismatist to nab a truly rare coin in this grade. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed via Wayte Raymond on December 27, 1945 for $2.50. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $12,075
Lot 366		1838 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Stars, no drapery. PCGS graded MS-66. A stunning, magnificent gem that boasts deep blue shades around the periphery, while the centers are blast white luster. Examination with a glass will note a couple of tiny contact marks, one near her hand on the pole, the other at the top of the shield. Well struck, and exceptional quality for the issue. An amazing coin in every way. PCGS has graded 9 this high, with a scant 2 graded higher. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $1.10 a long time ago. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,335
Lot 367		1838 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Stars, no drapery. PCGS graded AU-55. Steel gray and quite nice for the grade. Note the die crack from the rim through the last star towards Liberty's knee. Excellent surface quality under the toning. Estimated Value $100 - 125. From the Benson collection and purchased sometime in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $138
Lot 368		1839 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-66. Toned a deep blue and rose color on the obverse, the reverse lighter gold in color with full luster. Well struck and scarce this nice, with 11 so graded and 4 graded higher by PCGS. This coin, like all the other Benson coins, have been off the market for a very long time. Quality of this magnitude must be seen to be believed. One would think this was a late date Walking Liberty half dollar to be in this grade, but when you realize this coin was struck in 1839, wow. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from B. Max Mehl for $1.25 as Uncirculated, many decades ago. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,900
Lot 369		1839-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. AU-50. Shattered reverse die. This coin has nice peripheral toning of many shades on the obverse, on the reverse a more stoic blue tone near the rims. Examination of the rim notes a couple of irregular places in the reeding, and we suspect this coin may have been used as jewelry in the distant past. As to the surfaces, they also show scuffs and other general contact marks from circulation. With a glass, the collector will note the 1 is sharply recut low. The reverse, however, is where the fireworks are; there are no less than six radial cracks from the edge towards the center, two of which bisect the coin, and others form branches. Needless to say, this coin will delight specialists, despite its minor problems. Estimated Value $150-UP. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $173
Lot 370		1840 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No drapery. MS-60+. Choice color and surfaces, this one boasts a crisp strike on the stars and Liberty, and lovely yellow and blue shades on both sides, which highlight the devices. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $311
Lot 371		1840-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. No drapery. PCGS graded MS-64. One of the finest known apparently, at least one of the finest graded by PCGS, which in their Population Reports notes just 2 coins graded this high, with none graded higher! The obverse is well struck, and we note each star is full, Liberty too, is well rounded in her ampleness. As to the toning, it is magnificent, with rose-red shades at the centers, and blue at the rims. On the reverse, we note a sharp strike on all but the left side of the bow, and minor radial die cracks extend from the rim towards the center in at least six places (this is not the same die that was used to strike the 1839-O a few lots back, but both are completely shattered). Struck from heavily clashed dies (both). A low mintage date that is seldom found in mint state, especially this nice. Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on December 5, 1945 for $5.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 372		1840 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Drapery. EF-40. This one has light scratches on the obverse, mostly on the upper right, but is toned with stunning rainbow concentric circles on the obverse, more silvery-gray on the reverse with flecks of blue and yellow. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $196
Lot 373		1840-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. Drapery. PCGS graded AU-50. This is an extremely rare coin in high grade. PCGS has seen 3 in this grade, with 3 graded AU-55 above, and a single coin above that at MS-63. PCGS has graded 15 examples in all, which reflects the rarity of this date. We note light surface scratches left and below the date and the obverse fields may have been carefully smoothed many years ago. Struck adequately by the dies, and we note luster in the fields especially near the devices. A serious date collector would do well to secure a specimen of this date when offered, as it may be some time before another turns up. The last offered we could find was Stack's 1/97, lot 499 as "choice BU", just over five years ago! Don't miss out on this rarity. Estimated Value $600 - 800. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on December 5, 1945 for $10.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,323
Lot 374		1841 Liberty Seated Half Dime. AU-55. Great luster and color here, with light sky blue on the obverse, and silvery-gray on the reverse. Light friction on the highest points of the design. A well struck example of this early date. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $138
Lot 375		1841-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. This is a sweet little coin that boasts delicate dark gold toning around the devices and a hint of wear at the centers. On the reverse we see a splash of mottled blue toning at the center, and nice luster beneath. The reverse is struck from clashed and worn die, while the obverse appears new and lightly clashed. One would guess that this particular reverse die spent a long summer submerged in the humid climate of New Orleans, as the lettering and surfaces appear rusted on the die, and cracks have formed from the rim to the left side of the U, through the I of AMERICA and below the wreath, as well as through the tops of most of the legend. Quality control was a challenged at the time, apparently. Scarce in this grade, with a dozen graded higher by PCGS. Estimated Value $200 - 250. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed who was his agent at Numismatic Gallery's "World's Greatest Collection" sale, April, 1945, lot 288 for $5.50 with envelope included. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 376		1842 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-60+. Frosty and bright, we note the surfaces are full of luster and toned with deep blue and central red circles, while the periphery is light gold. The reverse has tawny-gold around the rims, while the centers are white. Crisply struck by the dies, and the reverse die is clearly shattered with multiple radial cracks present. Estimated Value $125 - 150. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $196
Lot 377		1842-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded EF-40. One of the key dates to the Seated Liberty half dime series, this coin boasts clean surfaces and light silver gray toning. Minor weakness in the strike is present on a few of the upper leaves on the wreath. A coin that any collector will enjoy. Early die state on both dies. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ben's Stamp & Coin Co., 8/16/46 for $5.00. View details	Realized $437
Lot 378		1844 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-62. Frosty luster beneath an overlay of tawny-gold colors. Well struck by the dies, with sharp stars and devices. Note the clean surfaces, and this coin is certainly very nice for the assigned grade. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $408
Lot 379		1844-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-61. A key date of the Seated half dime series which is rarely encountered in high grade, and almost never in full mint state condition. This one boasts deep blue-gray toning on both sides with hints of luster beneath. Sharply struck by the dies, and well preserved. Identifiable by a curved scratch from Liberty's arm towards the second star then down, and on the reverse by a thin scratch from left of the H of HALF up to the first T of STATES. PCGS has graded 2 this high, with just 3 graded higher (best MS-65). A condition rarity that is unpriced in the Guide Book as so few are known in mint state. On the reverse, there is a heavy die crack above the ME of AMERICA, and this area above the letters is well on its way to becoming a cud. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed for $10.00 on December 5, 1945. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $6,325
Lot 380		1845 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-58. Back in the days when Wayte Raymond wrote the Standard Catalogue Of United States Coins, which was the equal to the Guide Book today, Dr. Benson worked from this reference to build his primary collection. We note that the 1946 Edition of the Standard Catalogue notes the 1845 half dime as two entries, one normal date and worth $2.50 in uncirculated, the other with the "date re-engraved", worth $6.00 in uncirculated for this variety. PCGS does not mention that this is the Double Date on their insert, and they apparently don't recognize this variety at this time, but it matches the photo in the Breen Encyclopedia exactly. Dark blue in color and with no significant handling marks, and very close to mint state. Estimated Value $90 - 110. Purchased by Dr. Benson from J. G. Macallister for $1.50, likely around 1944. View details	Realized $184
Lot 381		1845 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Dark steel gray in color and well struck throughout. Minor hairlines in the fields which are toned over. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $86
Lot 382		1846 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded EF-40. An extremely rare date, only 27,000 were struck and few remain in high grades. In fact, PCGS has only graded 6 this high, with 10 graded higher (best MS-63). Beautiful deep gold and dark blue toning with silvery devices. Nicely struck, and a coin that will no doubt be fought over by experienced collectors. Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,783
Lot 383		1848 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Medium date. PCGS graded AU-55. Lovely color and nice surfaces on this one. A coin most collectors will enjoy. Lightly struck on Liberty's head, with minor weakness at the top, sharper on the stars. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $161
Lot 384		1848 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Medium date. PCGS graded AU-50. Beautiful gold and blue shades on the obverse especially at the rims. Well struck and preserved. Estimated Value $70 - 90. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $104
Lot 385		1848 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Large date. PCGS graded EF-40. Toned with deep golden yellow around the edges, lighter at the centers from long National Pages storage. The dime date punch was used on this half dime obverse, with the relatively huge digits all well into the base. This is one of the scarcer varieties of the year. One minor scrape just below the left end of the wreath. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $98
Lot 386		1848-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. VF-35. Deep blue and gold in color, with rubbed silver exposed on the high points of the devices. Scarce. Estimated Value $30 - 40. Puchased by Dr. Benson from J. Barnet on 3/16/45 for $1.25. View details	Realized $92
Lot 387		1849 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Normal date. NGC graded MS-66. A simply superb gem specimen. Well struck throughout with immaculate surfaces that radiate with a natural blending of turquoise and light gold. Only 4 examples in this high grade are noted in the NGC population report with only one better. Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,668
Lot 388		1849 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Normal date. MS-60. Deep blue in color, the centers with a rose hue on the obverse, the reverse lighter, with strong luster in the fields. A few minor handling marks. Estimated Value $100 - 125. From the Benson collection and purchased from James G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $161
Lot 389		1849 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Normal date. PCGS graded EF-40. The 49 both show repunching low. Deeply toned with blue, gold and rose shades in the fields, lighter on the devices. Nicely struck and well preserved. Estimated Value $30 - 40. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $115
Lot 390		1849-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-58. A scarce date in high grade, this one is especially close to mint state, and many would feel that it qualifies at that level. PCGS notes 3 graded as such, with just 7 graded higher (best MS-64). Deep blue and lilac toning on both sides, perfectly balanced. One small field tick near the third star on the inside. Unpriced in the Guide Book in Uncirculated, as so few are reported in or near that grade. Estimated Value $500 - 600. Purchased by Dr. Benson on December 5, 1945 from an unknown source for $20. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 391		1851 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-53. Mauve and blue tones on each side, and ample luster in the fields. Nicely struck by the dies and satisfying in every way. Estimated Value $80 - 90. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $121
Lot 392		1851-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. EF-40. Beautiful colors throughout, although minor hairlines can be seen. Clean for the grade, and sharp. Estimated Value $70 - 90. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $75
Lot 393		1852 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded Proof 66. Superb Gem Proof! This coin is very likely the finest known example of this date, it is the finest graded by PCGS (by 2 points), and a point better than any reported by NGC. Although the mintage is unknown, PCGS estimates that 10 were struck in Proof, which agrees with Breen. Combined, PCGS and NGC report 8 graded in all as Proofs, and this includes the Eliasberg coin, which was conservatively catalogued as Prooflike Mint State in that 1996 sale, but has since been NGC graded Proof 65. Simply stated, this is a magnificent coin, the devices are toned an enchanting rose gold in color, while the surrounding fields are bluish gray. On the reverse, the devices are fiery gold while the fields are a dove gray. As to the variety, this is Valentine-3, with the date punched high and slanting down to the right. Perfectly centered and struck, with each star and device bold. Heavy die polishing lines can be seen on the obverse. Identifiable by a tiny planchet line (adjustment mark or roller line?) through the lower right foot and serif of the A in HALF. Nearly perfect in condition, and a prize for the advanced numismatist. Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000. From the Benson collection and purchased on September 12, 1945 from James Kelly for $20. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $29,325
Lot 394		1852 Liberty Seated Half Dime. EF-40. Magnificent toning on the obverse, lighter silver gray on the reverse. Estimated Value $30 - 40. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $35
Lot 395		1852-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-53. Steel gray in color, and well preserved. A couple of minor ticks are noted left and above the mintmark. There are minor small stains on the obverse. Estimated Value $300 - 350. From the Benson collection and purchased on December 5, 1945 from Ira S. Reed for $9. View details	Realized $506
Lot 396		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. No arrows. PCGS graded EF-45. Only 135,000 coined in February 1853, and most of these were melted soon after coining with the reduction of the silver content which went into effect on April 1, 1853. One minor scratch in the right obverse field. Bright silver at the centers, dark rings of gold, blue and green around the periphery. Estimated Value $130 - 160. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source, likely in the mid 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $201
Lot 397		1853-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. No arrows. EF-40. One of the classic rarities of series, the 1853-O no arrows were coined to the tune of 160,000, but most were melted. Breen, in his Encyclopedia estimated that there were "at least 3, possibly 5 Uncs., about 5 others EF-AU". The dates are always weak, no exception here, and we note a shallow scrape down the 1, further weakening it. Toned with a rich rainbow of colors around the periphery, light silvery gray at the centers. This one is probably in the top dozen or so known, and a beautiful, original example it is. Perfect for the date collector who wants a really choice coin for the grade. Estimated Value $800 - 1,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,495
Lot 398		1853-O. No Arrows. Fine-15. As always, the date is weak on this coin, and this is how they were struck. We note light surface scratches, some in the right obverse field. Pale steel gray in color and rare coin in any grade. Estimated Value $200 - 250. View details	Realized $322
Lot 399		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Arrows. MS-64 or better. Excellent surfaces and luster on both sides and well struck. We note that both dies show clash marks. Toned around the rim with light gold and quite well preserved. An important type coin for the numismatist. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 400		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded AU-58. Mottled gray, green and blue toning on the obverse, and similar on the reverse, although there are some darker stains there. One thin hairline through the lower left obverse. One of the areas of numismatics which is seldom discussed is the staggering spread in prices through the about uncirculated grades. When a coin, such as the 1853 with arrows half dime, catalogs for $40 in EF, and just a shade less than $200 in MS-60, how does one value an AU-58? Arriving at the market value is always difficult, but eye appeal is often the driving factor after the technical grade is assigned. All collectors should at least have a grasp on the wide spreads in price for similar grade coins, as factors such as eye appeal and pedigree come into play. This will certainly be true as these stunning Benson coins cross the auction block. We won't be surprised to see many seemingly common coins bring runaway prices when this old time collection finally crosses the block. Estimated Value $95 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister 2/18/45 for $7.50 and previously from Wayte Raymond, with an envelope stamped "516", possibly a lot number. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $178
Lot 401		1853 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded AU-58. Frosty luster in the fields and this one might have just a whisper of wear of the high points. If only all AU-58 coins looked this nice! A splendid example for the with arrows type. Estimated Value $95 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $334
Lot 402		1853-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. Arrows. PCGS graded MS-64. Frosty luster and well struck for this date. Bluish gray toning on both sides, mostly at the peripheries. PCGS notes 9 graded this high, with 11 graded higher for this date (best MS-66). Blame it on California. Yes, by 1853 the virtual flood of gold pouring into New York and other cities from the California gold rush, had driven down the price of gold, which was priced in dollars. As a result, the price of silver, reckoned in gold dollars, actually increased by comparison. In short order, the value of silver coins exceeded face value, and massive meltings occured. No one quite understood what to do about the complete lack of silver coins in circulation (aside from the debased and low value 3 cent silver pieces, which contained far less than 3 cents in silver value). At last, Mint Director George Eckert proposed reducing the silver content of each dollar worth of coins from 412.5 grains to 384 grains, a bewildered Congress agreed, and President Millard Fillmore signed into law the authorization on February 21, 1853. Eckert had no time to prepare new designs, yet it was absolutely essential to distinguish the reduced weight coins from the prior heavier silver coins. Eckert hatched a plan to put arrows on each side of the date, and ordered Longacre to prepare dies as quickly as possible for half dimes through half dollars. Inexplicably, the silver dollar was not included in the silver weight reduction (Breen). Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,530
Lot 403		1854 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded Proof 64. An extremely rare early proof issue, PCGS estimates that 15 were struck, 13 of which they have graded as follows; PR-63 3 coins; PR-64 7 coins; and PR-65 3 coins. This coin falls solidly in the middle of those known. Steel gray in color on the obverse, more golden gray on the reverse. Perfectly struck and well preserved, with few signs of handling whatsoever. Identifiable by a minor lint mark (as struck) which extends upwards from the left loop of the bow on the right side, up the left leg of the M of DIME, through the L and into the top left serif of the F in HALF. A rare opportunity for the specialist. Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. From the Benson collection and purchased from Dr Mann on April 28, 1945 for $20. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $10,925
Lot 404		1854 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded MS-62. Bright and lustrous throughout, with boldly struck devices. Generally untoned save for a dollop of gold below the last star, and a bit more near the peripheries with tiny specks on the obverse. One tiny scrape in the left obverse field, and trivial weakness on the left ribbon bow probably account for the grade. We expect anyone who buys this coin to be very satisfied. Estimated Value $150 - 175. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $224
Lot 405		1854 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-53. One of the prettiest half dimes in the sale, this one boasts colorful rainbow toning around the edges, and frosty luster at the centers. The reverse die is strongly clashed, with the outline of Liberty in the wreath. Estimated Value $80 - 100. From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed for 75¢ in the mid 1940s as "Unc." View details and enlarged photos	Realized $506
Lot 406		1854-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. EF-40. Flecks of darker tones around the rims, with pretty green and gold around the edges, silver at the centers. Nicely struck by the dies, and scarce. Estimated Value $30 - 40. From the Benson collection and likely purchased from Ira S. Reed or James McCallister in the mid 1940s at a price of 75¢. View details	Realized $92
Lot 407		1855 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-63. Dipped and still bright, but with most of luster present. The reverse has a horizontal crack spanning the die, and strong clash marks can be seen on both sides. Estimated Value $200 - 225. View details	Realized $121
Lot 408		1855 Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-55. Strong luster in the fields, and well struck from an obverse die that has a nice bisecting horizontal crack. Gold toning with iridescent highlights around the periphery. Exceptional quality for the grade. Estimated Value $90 - 110. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $155
Lot 409		1855-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. PCGS graded AU-58. This coin was purchased at Kosoff/Kreisberg's Numismatic Gallery sale of The World's Greatest Collection. In that sale, the cataloger's graded this as "Extremely Fine" and estimated the value to be $1.50. The coin sold for $2.50 at that sale to Dr. Benson, and the original envelope is included with this lot. As to the variety, this is V-1a, with a healthy die crack through stars eight to thirteen. with a lighter crack through the first seven stars to Liberty's head. Lumps are noted on Liberty's cap, and there is die rust on some of the stars on the right. The date and right arrow are weak, probably due to die lapping. Toned with deep blue and gold on the obverse, the center bright white with the reverse with light gold around the edge, and mostly white. A rare coin in or approaching mint state, and expect a battle when this sparkling little jewel crosses the block. Estimated Value $150 - 200. From the Benson collection and purchased directly from Numismatic Gallery's sale of the "World's Greatest Collection" May 11, 1945, with envelope included from that sale. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $529
Lot 410		1856 Liberty Seated Half Dime. MS-60. Frosty luster in the fields and mostly white in color at the centers, while the edges are toned with alluring green and gold hues. Poorly struck at the dentils, but sharp on the central devices. This is an example of the upright 5, curved 6 with an open top variety. Estimated Value $100 - 120. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $132
Lot 411		1856-O Liberty Seated Half Dime. EF-40. Here is an example of the closed 6, large O variety. Magnificent blue green toning around the periphery, a few minor surface marks too, and typical of the Benson collection. Estimated Value $60 - 70. From the Benson collection and purchased from J. G. Macallister in a large group of half dimes on November 7, 1944 for $80.00. View details	Realized $63

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